Chapter 7
Hello everyone. Here is chapter 7. I hope you enjoy it. let me know what you think and feel free to suggest ideas.
"Some flowers for you my Lady." said Gwen in the morning as chipper as always. "Wow, they are beautiful. Where did you get them?" "The forest." "They smell nice too. Thank you Gwen. You are too good to me." said Merlyn flashing a smile to her friend as she breathed in the sweet scent. "Oh no. You are the one who is too good to me. Most servants envy me a lot." "Really?" asked Merlyn surprised. "Yes. People really like you. You are not as stuffy as the other ladies." said Gwen with a blush. "Ah, can't walk around looking as if I have something smelling under my nose now can i?" said Merlyn and they shared a laugh as Gwen said, "Merlyn!" "You are more than a maidservant to me Gwen. You are my closest friend that I can confide in." said Merlyn seriously and Gwen looked glad and teary. "I am glad you feel this way." said Gwen softly feeling honored. "It is kind of weird isn't it? Our relationship?" "It might be unusual but it is better than the toxic relationship between Arthur and Morris." said Gwen and the 2 laughed. The day passed slowly. She went and helped Gaius, practiced sword fighting with Arthur (where she beat him again though he always claims he let her beat him) and talked to Morgana. At night she practiced her magic and then went to bed.
Morgana is ill
The next day started on a frantic note with Susan barging into her chambers in hysterics reporting that her lady was not waking up. There was commotion at the news with both her and Gaius looking at the princess who was lying still, breathing as though sleeping but not waking up. no one knew what was wrong. There didn't appear as though she was suffering from any form of illness. It was baffling. The king was frantic and Arthur was pensieve. He and Morgana may fight a lot and tease each other but they still loved each other.
2 days later nothing had changed. Merlyn stood beside Morgana's bed looking at her form lying so still on the bed. She looked so peaceful lying there as if she was merely sleeping yet she wasn't waking up. "Her body seems to have closed down." said Gaius who was examining her. "Why? You don't have an answer do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It has been nearly 2 days. And what do you know?" Uther said sitting on Morgana's bed looking worried and desperate. "I fear she may have some inflammation to the brain." Said Gaius. "What could cause such a thing?" "An infection possibly. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her sire." Merlyn had faith in Gaius but that didn't stop her from feeling a sense of despair and desperation. Morgana was just lying there not eating and if not cured, she could die… She couldn't think it like that.
As she left Morgana's chambers, she met Gwen who was standing with a worried Susan whose eyes were red and her face was blotched. 'Probably matches my face.' "My lady, is she alright?" "There is no change yet." said Merlyn. Gwen and Susan nodded sadly and proceeded up to go and look after Morgana.
"Gaius I need the truth. How is she?" "She is all but dead Merlyn." "No. she cant be. You have to cure her. you just have to." "I have already tried everything." "Then I am going to have to do something. I cannot just sit and wait." "No. it is too dangerous for you." "I don't care. Morgana cannot die. I cannot live with myself knowing I could help yet I did nothing." "I understand that." Said Gaius with a sigh. "Give me a day. if I cannot do anything then you heal her." "Just a day. will she last that long?" "She will."
Arthur walked out of the castle into the courtyard where he had been requested. The man wore a brown cloak. Half of his face was burnt. "What is your business here?" "My name is Edwin Muirden and I have a remedy to cure all ills." What? "Is that so?" "he said with a raised brow. "I beg an audience with the king." "Our court already has a physician." He said walking away. He didn't trust this man. "I hear the Lady Morgana was gravely ill." Arthur stopped. "That is no concern of yours." He was very protective of Morgana and suddenly he didn't want this man to come close to her. "I might be able to help her." "Our physician has the matter in hand." "I will be in the inn in case you change your mind." Arthur ignored him and went his way wondering if Morgana was going to be ok.
By lunch time, Merlyn couldn't take it any more. "Gwen, take some time off. I need to be alone for a while." "My lady…" "Please." "Yes my lady." Said Gwen leaving pausing for a moment looking at a distraught Merlyn before she left. The mood in the castle was somber and so was the mood in the city. Everyone was waiting for word on the princess. Merlyn couldn't take it. as soon as Gwen closed the door, she found herself feeling suffocated. She couldn't stay alone here. She suddenly craved company even though just moments before she had wanted to be alone. She took her shawl and left her chambers not knowing where she was really going. It was a surprise when she found herself on Arthur's chamber doors. She looked at the door debating whether or not to knock. She was so distracted that she jumped when the door opened.
Arthur was surprised when he saw Merlyn standing by his door but before he could say anything, she fell into his arms sobbing hysterically. He didn't say anything, he took her in and he sat down on his bed with her in his arms running his hands in her silky soft her and back comforting her. he was filled with joy, not that she was crying but she had come to him for comfort. He knew how close she was to Morgana and how this could be affecting her. "Feel better?" asked Arthur when she calmed down. Merlyn blushed realizing she had broke down in front of Arthur. "Thank you. I am sorry for your shirt." She said pointing at the wet spot. Arthur looked at Merlyn. Even red eyed with a blotchy face, she was still the most beautiful girl ever.
"It's alright." He said. "I want her to get better Arthur. I…e can't lose her. We just can't." "I will do everything I can to help." said Arthur. "I promise. She is my sister and she means a lot to me too. I can't lose her before I let her know that." Said Arthur and Merlyn felt a pang for him too. They sat talking and calming each other talking about the comic moments they had with Morgana. "She will be fine. I will make sure of it." vowed Arthur. he wanted the smile and spark to return to Merlyn's face and he would do anything.
When they went to visit Morgana, Gaius had devastating news. "I cannot preserve her life much longer. She has hours maybe less." "We cannot let her die!" said Arthur looking at Morgana. "Arthur please!" said Uther "There is a man. He came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her." he said. He had given Gaius time to find a cure. He had to try the man despite his reservations. Merlyn glanced at him as he said so and he sent her a look that said, 'trust me.' "That's ridiculous. He doesn't know what's wrong with her." "He says he has a remedy that can cure all ills." "Impossible." said his father adamantly. "Well, for Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean what have we got to lose? Please father. We cannot lose her." "He is probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling." "I don't care! If she is about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling! If there is one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?" "Send for him." Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. If Morgana died, he wanted to feel he had tried everything he could.
Edwin
Arthur stood in the council chamber with Merlyn, Gaius, Morris and his father. Edwin entered and bowed. "Edwin Muirden, sire. Physician and loyal servant." And he hands Uther a scroll. "Welcome to Camelot." "Have we met before?" said Gaius and Arthur looked at Gaius. Gaius looked like he was sure he had met the man. "I doubt you would forget a face like mine sir." said Edwin. That was true considering half his face was burnt.
Merlyn didn't like the man at first sight. There was something about him that didn't board well with her. He seemed polite but also seemed like he was up to something. It was quite a coincidence that one can just hear of an illness and offer to help out of the blue. Worse he said he had a cure for all illnesses. She had never met anyone who could cure everything! Gaius could cure most ills but certainly not all! He promised to heal Morgana. That was more important than her suspicions. She just wanted Morgana alive and well. Edwin was offered rooms in the castle and Arthur offered Morris to him to help him get settled.
Arthur waited with Uther and Merlyn when Edwin and Morris came to Morgana's chambers. "Put myequipment over there. Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy." Merlyn narrowed her eyes at this. She was not comfortable with this. What was he up to? "Certainly." said Uther. "That includes you Gaius." He said. "But I am eager to learn from your methods." said Gaius. 'Good Gaius.' Merlyn thought. "Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration." "It will be merely observation." "Of course. I understand but it is imperative I do this alone. The lady is very sick." said Edwin and Gaius nodded. They all left the room. Now it was a matter of waiting.
Morgana is healed
Arthur saw Edwin descent the stairs as he waited anxiously with Gaius, his father, Merlyn, Gwen, Susan and Morris. "Your majesty I have great news. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain." Merlyn looked up then at Gaius in surprise. "What is it then?" 'Yes what is it?' "It is cerebral hemorrhage." "Hemorrhage? I don't think so." said Gaius. "I found a trace of blood in her ear." Edwin said producing a cloth with blood. "God in heaven!" said Uther. "The severity depends on the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to a coma and eventual death." Uther turned to Gaius furious and demanded, "How could you have missed this?" said Uther angry and fierce. "I didn't see any blood." said Gaius. "Please, just thank the fates that you didn't administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that would have done?" said Edwin and a shudder ran through Arthur. Morgana could be gone… How could have Gaius have made such a mistake? It was so unlike him. "It may have increased the bleed." said Gaius dryly. "Is there a cure?" asked Uther. "Come and see for yourself."
Merlyn had to fight herself not to run to the chambers. She walked in and there was Morgana sitting on the bed looking weak but alive! She was alive and breathing. Uther was emotional and couldn't let go of Morgana and so she had to wait impatiently for her turn.
Morgana laughed as she was literally smothered by Merlyn. "Morgana! You are awake!" said Merlyn excited. "And I will soon be dead if you keep that up." said Morgana and Merlyn released her just a bit. "Sorry. I am just so happy you are well. I was so worried. We all were. Everyone is so glad. Uther is sure to give a feast today." said Merlyn very fast and Morgana laughed. "Merlyn! I go for 2 days and you suddenly turn into Gwen?" she said and they laughed. "It is good to see you back Morgana. Never worry me like that ever again!" "I will try." she said.
Arthur smiled as he looked at the 2 girls. Merlyn's eyes were twinkling like twin sapphires with happiness. He was glad his sister was fine and everyone was happy. "Morgana, I am glad you are alive." "Can't get rid of me that easily Arthur. Who else will be there to tease you?" she said and Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yep, you are truly back. Take some time to rest ok?" said Arthur smiling then he left. Merlyn only left after Morgana was fed. She made her way to Gaius' chambers. "I fear I may know him." said Gaius softly referring to Edwin. "Really? From where?" Merlyn asked. "The great purge. I need the record to confirm." said Gaius. "Where are they?" "In the library. Let me go and ask Geoffrey." "And I will go and look around the chambers of this man." "Be careful."
Merlyn went out but was intercepted by a guard and was called to the council chambers. She found Uther, a weak looking Morgana and Arthur in there already. She went and stood on her place beside Arthur. Edwin came in and stood in front of the king. "Name you reward." "I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient." said Edwin. Morgana looked at him smiling. "There must be something I can do." Uther insisted. "No. I will wait until the Lady Morgana recovers and then I will be on my way." Uther rested his hand on Morgana. "Why don't you stay a while? You could leave here in the castle." 'No!' thought Merlyn. "No. I… I feel I would trespass and you already have a court physician." 'There it is.' "I am sure Gaius would be glad of your help." Uther said. 'Don't be so sure Uther. "It is a kind offer but…" 'Playing hard to get.' "Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision then." "To dine with your majesty would be reward itself." 'Liar.'
Edwin and magic
"My Lady, are you alright? You look troubled." said Gwen as Merlyn sat in her room. She was thinking about Edwin. Who was he? Something made her skin crawl. He seemed so fake. Was she the only one seeing through his act? "I am fine Gwen." "I don't mean to push my lady but you don't seem so. Are you unwell?" Merlyn sighed realizing she had used her 'Lady Merlyn' voice. "I am worried Gwen. Edwin healed Morgana but how? No one knows as well were all out of the chambers." "Does it really matter? Morgana is well now." "Yes. You are right Gwen. As long as Morgana is alive and well, it shouldn't matter." Merlyn said with a smile and Gwen smiled back. However Merlyn couldn't shake the feeling off and she decided to go and investigate alone like she had planned. She went to Edwin's chambers. He was not in. She began examining his equipment. She then saw a box and she opened it with magic. There were bugs moving. "Swefn." came a voice and the bugs go still. She turned and saw Edwin.
"You have magic, my lady." "How do you know that?" Merlyn asked calmly looking at the man. "Only magic can bring them to life. These little angels are what cured the princess. They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her life. Magic can be a force for good, my lady." "I know that." "Then why do you fear it?" "It is banned isn't it?" "Then should I have let the princess die?" "I didn't say that." "People like us, my lady, have a gift. Do you not think it should be used to make this world better?" "Maybe. I should go. Thank you for healing Lady Morgana." "Of course, my lady. Please keep my secret." "As long as you keep mine." said Merlyn and she left in deep thought. She found Gaius with a large book. "You were right Gaius. You may know him. He has magic." "Ah." "Yes. There is something going on and I have a bad feeling about this."
Gaius released
Merlyn was seated beside Arthur in the council chambers with Morgana beside Uther on Uther's left. Merlyn was wearing a purple dress that had one dark and one light shade mixed together perfectly. Her hair was let down. Edwin came before them. "I have been through the court medical records with a fine tooth comb sire." "And were your findings satisfactory?" Merlyn stared at him intently. "With regrets, I would have to say they were not." Merlyn met eyes with Arthur in surprise. "How so?" "Gaius is a great man thorough and dedicated." 'Fake praise considering you want him sacked!' thought Merlyn furiously. "But?" "His methods are outdated. He has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors." "Gaius served me well for 25 years." "And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse." 'Oh how dare he?' said Merlyn so furious and looking daggers at the man. "Perhaps it is time to lighten his load. Have you given anymore thought to my offer?" 'Offer?' "Yes I have considered it very carefully." "Allow me some time to do the same." said Uther and Edwin left.
Merlyn watched as Uther stood up and got a drink. "You can't do this father!" Morgana said rising and walking to Uther. "You heard what he said. Gaius is old, he makes mistakes." "Gaius has treated us since before I could remember. You can't just cast him out." "You would have died if your care had been left to him. That is something I could not bear." said Uther adamant. Oh he was so stubborn. Merlyn decided to pitch in. "My lord, he healed Morgana yes but do we know who he is? Morgana fell ill mysteriously. Gaius said she had no signs of blood! I saw no blood when I looked her over. Then he comes along claiming to have medicine for all sickness? Neither of us knows how he actually healed her. How do we know he didn't cause her to get sick in the first place?" Merlyn said looking directly at Uther. She could not let him sack Gaius. That man was not to be trusted. She looked at Arthur and Morgana. They both agreed with her. Uther sighed. "I cannot risk something like this happening again." Merlyn shook her head. Uther was too stubborn for his own good.
Merlyn rushed to Gaius chambers when she heard he had been released. She couldn't believe Uther had pulled it through. "Gaius, they cannot do this. You tried to save Morgana. You did." "Uther is not to blame." said Gaius. "I am sorry I didn't fight so hard." "I know you did your best and you are not to blame as well." "What if you and Edwin work together? I could ask Uther." "No. Don't do anything Merlyn." "I can't stand by and do nothing. I cannot lose you." "Uther is right. It is time I step down. I am not dying Merlyn. We will meet again." "You belong here Gaius." "I cannot stay Merlyn. I apologize." "Edwin is not to be trusted. You can't leave us with him." "I need to. I will be back." Merlyn nodded sadly knowing she couldn't change his mind then she left the room.
She went and found Arthur. "You can't let him do this Arthur. Beg him to reconsider. Gaius made one mistake." "A mistake that nearly cost Morgana her life. You heard what he said. His work is riddled with error." "And you believe that? Arthur we do not know this man. He just happened to be there when she fell ill? He offered to make her well? We have never heard of him. Surely we would have if he was this good… I don't trust this man."
Arthur looked at Merlyn and he felt a pang in his heart. Ever since Merlyn arrived in Camelot, she had grown closest to Gaius. He was like a father figure to Merlyn and they became even closer when she became apprenticing under him. He couldn't imagine what this was doing to her. He felt hopeless. Both she and his father made sound arguments. They knew nothing about the man yet, he had saved Morgana's life. That couldn't be ignored. He had done what Gaius couldn't. "No one wants Gaius to go. I know how much he means to you Merlyn but my father has made his decision. There is nothing not even I can do." He watched as she deflated and wished he could take her in his arms. "I know. I just… it's like I am losing my parents all over again." "I will always be there Merlyn if you need to talk, cry or anything." Merlyn merely nodded unable to speak.
Merlyn escorted Gaius in the evening and bid him farewell then returned to the castle. She didn't talk much to anyone. She had tried to make Gaius stay with Gwen's help even resorting to guilt tripping but he didn't budge. He was gone leaving them with the creep, she was not going to whine. She was going to do something about it. She left her chambers and went to look for the creep then someone bumped into her. It was a frantic Arthur. "Arthur?" "Merlyn! My father has Morgana's illness. We have to find Edwin." "I will find him. Go and stay with Uther." said Merlyn and Arthur went back to Uther.
Edwin exposed and Gaius is back
Merlyn rushed to Edwin's chambers. She was going to end this. She entered and was surprised to see, "Gaius! You are back! What are you doing here?" He was tied up and surrounded by flames. "Edwin was trying to kill the king. I couldn't let him." "I can rule the kingdom and with you by my side, my lady, we can all be powerful." came Edwin's voice from behind her. "Wouldn't dream of it. Release him." she commanded in her Lady Merlyn voice. "It is your loss, then Merlyn." Merlyn glared at him. Edwin then saw an axe and Merlyn knew what he was going to do before he did it. The axe spanned in the air directly at her. Her magic rushed and it stopped in front of her. Edwin urged the axe on with a spell but she was more powerful. She sent it back at him and it hit him and he went down dead.
The flames around Gaius extinguished and Merlyn rushed to free him. "Are you alright?" "Yes. Thank you my child." Merlyn smiled. "It's good to see you." Merlyn took the bug box. "What are you doing?" "You were right. Uther is now ill with what Morgana had. Edwin told me he used them to heal Morgana. Maybe we can too." Gaius got a recognizing look and said, "Elanthia beetles." "They are magical?" "Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul. We must go to him now."
They entered the king's chambers. He is lying motionless on the bed. Arthur was not in the chambers and Merlyn was glad. "How do we get the beetle out?" "It can only be by magic." "That is too bold. Using magic in front of him? He will kill us." "We don't have a choice." "Gaius?" "There are times when it is necessary." "I don't know." "If you don't he will die." "Ok." Merlyn gently held Uther's head. She placed her hands on Uther's ears. She mutters spell lowly and then pulls back with a beetle in her hand. Gaius smiled. "You are a genius." "Thank you. I am sure you get to stay now Gaius."
"Looks like you were right…about Edwin." said Arthur looking at her after Uther was awake. "Aren't I always right?" "Now who is getting a big head…" said Arthur and they laughed. "So Gaius is back." "Yes." "I am glad." "You are?" said Merlyn raising her brow. "Yes I am because he brought a smile back on your face." said Arthur looking at her his look indescribable and she blushed and said nothing. "I have to go and see father." "Ok." said Merlyn and watched him go then shook her head and went to see Gaius. "What? He apologized? Uther apologized? That beetle must have done something to his brain!" said Merlyn and Gaius laughed. "It's good to have you back and don't ever leave like that again. At least not without a fight." said Merlyn and Gaius smiled.
The next day, Gaius stood in front of the court. Merlyn stood looking proudly at Gaius as Uther said, "I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honor of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician but hence forth you are a free man of Camelot." There was applauds and Merlyn smiled brightly at Gaius. No one deserved this more than him.